Matshepo Soto is the founder of Movemates SA and Thuma Mina Tech
Foundation , a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching technology to autistic children. Her journey in technology is driven by a passionfor problem-solving and a desire to create meaningful change.

 Career Journey

She started her journey in technology by studying Software Engineering at WeThinkCode, where she developed a deep interest in coding and innovation.
Over the years, she has been fortunate to win seven hackathons, which helped shape her career and allowed her to build innovative solutions. In recognition of her contributions to the field, she received the Dynamism in ICT Youth Award from IITPSA in 2024 and the Rising Star in Coding Award from Wired 4 Women. As the founder of MoveMates, she now leads a team that is transforming the moving industry with an Uber-like platform, enabling users to access moving services at the touch of a button.

Challenges & Triumphs

Like many women in ICT, Matshepo has faced challenges such as the
underrepresentation of women in the tech industry and being one of the few women in her field. However, these challenges have only fuelled her determination to push forward. She has  learned to use her voice to advocate for inclusivity and equality, particularly through mentorship and community-building initiatives such as her foundation. One of her proudest moments has been being recognised as one of the top 100 influential women in tech by ITWeb and being part of the top 15 “top geeks” by Geekulcha. These recognitions reinforce her belief that women can—and should—be leaders in technology.

Impact & Contributions

Matshepo is deeply committed to mentoring young people in the tech industry.
Over the years, she has had the privilege of mentoring at various hackathons, where she offers guidance, support, and encouragement to aspiring developers. Many of these young stars are still early in their tech careers, and she takes great pride in helping them build confidence
and develop their skills. Additionally, she is passionate about promoting gender equality in tech by advocating for more women to enter the field and encouraging those already there to strive for leadership positions.

Beyond mentorship, Matshepo has also been involved in initiatives that provide
opportunities for underrepresented groups in tech. She believes in the power of diversity in innovation, and  actively seeks to amplify the voices of women and minorities in the tech space. Whether it’s through sharing her own experiences, providing practical advice, or simply being
a sounding board, She is dedicated to helping others navigate their paths in the tech industry.

Advice for Aspiring Women in IT

To all aspiring women in technology, Matshepo’s advice is simple: keep going,
even when it feels hard. The tech industry may be challenging, but remember that your skills and ideas matter. Stay focused on learning, seek out mentors, and never underestimate your potential. It’s a long
journey, but with perseverance and determination, you will not only succeed, but you will also inspire others to follow in your footsteps.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

As Matshepo continues to grow in her career, she remains committed to advancing the cause of gender equality and mentorship in the tech space. If you’re
interested in collaborating or learning more about how you can get involved in initiatives that empower women in tech, Matshepo would love to connect with you. Feel free to reach out via her LinkedIn profile: Matshepo Soto – https://www.linkedin.com/in/matshepo-soto-86692b209/

Together, we can create a more inclusive and innovative future for women
in technology.